The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry highlighted the contribution of Verde Atlântico Cooperative to the promotion of Azorean meat and the search for new markets, which has transmitted confidence to the entire sector.
 
"Verde Atlântico is currently exporting cut beef to a distributor in Mainland Portugal. This implies, of course, the enhancement of meat products and the added value they generate in the Region," said João Ponte. He spoke at the end of a visit to the works of the cutting room of Pico Slaughterhouse, which is operated by the aforementioned cooperative.
 
For João Ponte, this is a "good example of the work" that is being carried out in the Azores in the meat industry insofar as it conveys confidence to all those involved in this sector.
 
Recently, Verde Atlântico started marketing its own meat brand, known as "Prado Atlântico." It is being sold in Mainland Portugal and, according to the cooperative officials, is being "successful" among consumers, registering an increase in demand.
 
"The work carried out by Verde Atlântico is very important. In this context, the Regional Government supports the cooperative in a series of investments that are being carried out in the cutting room in order to further improve its operation," stressed João Ponte.
 
The Regional Secretary also conveyed his hope that the recently established Regional Strategy Centre for Azores Meat (CERCA) could make an important contribution to the projection and, above all, appreciation of Azorean meat.
 
"There is still a differential in the price paid to the meat producers Mainland Portugal compared to the meat produced in the Azores. From our point of view, it does not make sense," said João Ponte. If local operators are better organised and work better in the final processing of carcasses, this could mean that the Azores meat will be even more valued in the future.
 
With regard to the work in the cutting room of Pico Slaughterhouse, the Regional Secretary stated that the applications submitted by Verde Atlântico, representing an investment over 200 thousand Euros, subsidised at 70% by the Government.
 
It will cover the installation of a freezing tunnel, a metal detector, as well as computer equipment, among others.
 
The Verde Atlântico Cooperative will also move forward with the internationally recognised certification processes, IFS and ISO 2000, as well as with the organic production certification, the construction of a support warehouse and a shipping dock.